Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Finally! The wait is over! St. Louis Blue T.J. Oshie is going to be back on the ice wearing the blue note for the first time since November 10th. Oshie missed 31 games. His presence back will give STL more strength, speed and skill. His return is just what the Blues needed as once again their replacement forward was claimed by another team through re-entry waivers. Kyle Wellwood was claimed by the Sharks after the Blues signed the ex- Maple Leaf, ex-Canuck and, most recently, ex-KHLer. But because he played in the KHL this year for a spell, he had to clear waivers. Much like Marek Svatos had to do just a short time ago. And the unfortunate ending of Svatos's story was repeated. Wellwood was claimed.

At least this Oshie story seems to be taking a good path!

It may take Oshie a few games to get back into the pace but he will help propel the Blues in the standings down the stretch. His return will give them a month to evaluate their team more accurately before deadline to see if they have any needs they want to address and how to go about that. A veteran presence on the forward corps would most likely be their best addition. They miss Paul Kariya. Look for them to move one of their bottom forwards with an expiring contract and a draft pick or prospect for someone with playoff experience and will have secondary scoring.